In this series of blogposts, we want to introduce the concept of “white tissue” and how it is connected with each of our Bioactive Collagen Peptides (BCP®s). For part one, we’ll start with the specific collagen peptides TENDOFORTE®.

In the past — and with good cause — we’ve talked a lot about collagen. And if you follow our blog, you already know that collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. Making up 30 per cent of the body’s total protein content, it can be found in bones, joints, ligaments and muscle fascia. And what do all of these body parts have in common? They are all especially important for active people. There’s just a word of caution, though: sports-induced overuse can actually lead to collagen being broken down faster than it can be synthesized!

As such, collagen supplementation becomes an important support for athletes or anyone who puts their body under a lot of stress and strain. For example, tendon strains are among the most common sports-related injuries and many sportspeople are actively looking for ways to avoid them.

But let’s take a step back: because, to better understand why collagen supplementation is so important — especially for sportspeople — we need to take a look at the so-called white tissue and its relationship with muscles. The whole musculoskeletal system is connected and protected by a network of connective tissue, which includes muscle fascia, cartilage, bone and also tendons and ligaments.

Collectively known as “white tissue,” this network is mainly composed of — you guessed it — collagen. Yet, most people don’t think about the white tissue until it hurts. Achilles tendon pain, ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, patella tendon pain and ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tears or IT band (iliotibial band) issues, which manifest themselves as aching, burning or tenderness, all occur when these parts of your white tissue are hurt or strained. 

And how does TENDOFORTE® come into play? These specific peptides stimulate the white tissue cells in tendons and ligaments to produce new collagen matrix proteins, which helps sportspeople to train at high intensity, while minimizing activity related wear and tear of the white tissue.

Of course, it would be easy to simply suggest supplementation with TENDOFORTE®, but we’ve also got some scientific data to support our recommendation.

For example, a study by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) study showed that several athletes with long-term symptoms of chronic Achilles tendinopathy were able to return to running within three months when supplementing their diet with TENDOFORTE®. They were also able to keep running for the remainder of the trial period. In more technical terms, this brings to life our early findings that the specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides found in TENDOFORTE® stimulate the RNA expression and biosynthesis of collagen, proteoglycans and elastin in Achilles tendons.

In another study, researchers at the University of Freiburg Department of Sport in Germany examined the role of TENDOFORTE® in reducing ankle sprains and instability. They concluded that six months of supplementation with TENDOFORTE® resulted in significant improvements in ankle stability, reduced ankle sprains, and reduced re-injury rate in the three-month follow-up period.

We are pleased that by taking TENDOFORTE®, athletes can enhance their collagen levels and, as such, support and protect their ligaments and tendons, which is so crucial to stay active. TENDOFORTE® can also help athletes to make a quicker return to training at previous performance levels.

And not to worry, we don’t just provide solutions for strained ligaments and tendons, but also for every part of the white tissue – and as such for the whole body: There’s also FORTIBONE® for bones, FORTIGEL® for joints and, last but not least, BODYBALANCE® for optimizing body composition. The optimal benefits of each of these specific BCP®s will be covered in a dedicated blogpost in our white tissue series.

As a manufacturer, you might be wondering how you can incorporate these ingredients into your product formulations. The good news is that all of our BCP®s can be formulated into a wide variety of on-the-go applications, including drinks, shakes, powders and protein bars. Even better, Bioactive Collagen Peptides won’t affect the taste, smell or mouthfeel of the end product, and they’re non-allergenic and natural.

So what are you waiting for? For expert advice and support, contact us today!